נַחְשׁוֹן
Nachshon, an Israelite
Definition
Nachshon is a proper name meaning 'enchanter' or 'serpent-like,' derived from the root for 'serpent' or 'divination.' In the Bible, Nachshon is a significant figure: he is the son of Amminadab, a prince of the tribe of Judah (Numbers 1:7, 2:3), and the brother-in-law of Aaron through his sister Elisheba (Exodus 6:23). He is most notably the ancestor of King David and, by extension, Jesus Christ, as listed in the genealogies of Ruth 4:20 and 1 Chronicles 2:10. His leadership is highlighted when he is recorded as the first to present offerings at the dedication of the tabernacle (Numbers 7:12, 7:17) and as leading the tribe of Judah during the wilderness marches (Numbers 10:14).
Biblical Usage
The name Nachshon appears exclusively in narrative and genealogical contexts across the Pentateuch and historical books. It is used nine times, primarily in Numbers (Numbers 1:7, 2:3, 7:12, 7:17, 10:14) and Exodus (Exodus 6:23), to identify him as a tribal leader and participant in key Israelite events. Later references in Ruth 4:20 and 1 Chronicles 2:10 place him in the lineage of David, emphasizing his role in Judah's royal ancestry. The usage consistently portrays him as a representative figure of the tribe of Judah during the wilderness period.
Etymology
Nachshon (נַחְשׁוֹן) is derived from the root נָחַשׁ (nāḥash, H5172), which means 'to practice divination' or 'to enchant,' and is also the word for 'serpent.' The name likely carries connotations of 'serpent-like' or 'enchanter,' possibly reflecting ancient cultural associations with wisdom or cunning. It is a diminutive or patronymic form, indicating 'little serpent' or 'belonging to Nachash.'
Semantic Range
Nachshon holds theological significance as a key link in the messianic line from Judah to David to Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:4, Luke 3:32). His position as prince of Judah and first offerer at the tabernacle dedication (Numbers 7:12) symbolically prefigures the preeminence of the tribe of Judah and the future kingship of David. Understanding his role enriches reading by highlighting God's sovereign plan in preserving the lineage of promise, even during Israel's wilderness wanderings.
In ancient Israelite culture, names often reflected characteristics or hopes; 'Nachshon' ('enchanter' or 'serpent-like') may have implied attributes like wisdom or protection, though the biblical text does not elaborate on this. As a tribal prince, he held military and ceremonial authority, representing Judah in census, worship, and march order, which underscored the tribe's leadership role among the twelve tribes.
Nachash (נָחָשׁ, H5175) — the root word meaning 'serpent' or 'divination,' from which Nachshon is derived, highlighting the etymological connection to enchantment or serpent imagery.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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